TelevisaUnivision and Apple Expand Spanish-Language Formula 1 Coverage in the US
Lisbon, Portugal – March 8, 2026 – A new partnership between TelevisaUnivision and Apple will bring dedicated Spanish-language coverage of Formula 1 (F1) racing to audiences across the United States. The collaboration aims to tap into the growing popularity of the sport, particularly among Hispanic fans, and will see one F1 race simulcast on the Univision network, accompanied by dedicated pre- and post-race programming. This move underscores Apple’s expanding footprint in sports broadcasting and TelevisaUnivision’s commitment to serving the U.S. Hispanic market.
The agreement, announced on March 5, 2026, will see TelevisaUnivision leverage its multiplatform ecosystem – including Univision and TUDN – to promote Apple TV’s F1 coverage throughout the season. This includes broadcasting race highlights and incorporating coverage into popular studio programs like “La Jugada” and “Contacto Deportivo,” providing comprehensive analysis and storytelling around the championship. The partnership comes as Apple continues to build its exclusive F1 coverage in the US, having secured rights to the series from the start of the 2026 season through 2030 in a deal reportedly worth around $140 million annually, as reported by Sportcal.
Expanding Reach to a Key Demographic
Formula 1 has experienced significant growth in the United States in recent years, fueled in part by the popularity of the “Drive to Survive” docuseries on Netflix. TelevisaUnivision recognizes the potential to further expand this audience by catering specifically to Spanish-speaking fans. Marco Liceaga, Senior Vice President of Sports Rights Acquisitions & Commercial Partnerships at TelevisaUnivision, emphasized this point, stating, “Formula 1 is one of the fastest growing sports in the US, and as the sport’s official broadcast partner in Mexico, we’ve seen firsthand how deeply Hispanic fans connect with it. We’re excited to work with Apple in expanding our coverage of the sport.”
This partnership builds on TelevisaUnivision’s existing strong position in Spanish-language sports broadcasting. The company already holds the rights to a wide range of popular sports, including Mexican soccer’s Liga MX and Liga MX Femenil, Leagues Cup, the UEFA Champions League and Europa League, the Mexican men’s and women’s national teams, the Concacaf Nations League, Gold Cup, and Champions Cup, UEFA European qualifiers, Major League Baseball, and the United Soccer League. Adding F1 to this portfolio further solidifies its leadership within the U.S. Hispanic sports market.
Apple’s Strategy in Sports Broadcasting
Apple’s investment in Formula 1 is part of a broader strategy to establish itself as a major player in sports broadcasting. The company’s exclusive rights deal for F1 in the US is a significant step in this direction. Beyond F1, Apple has likewise entered into a partnership with Netflix, allowing the streaming platform to simulcast the Canadian Grand Prix on May 24th. Simultaneously, Apple will simulcast the eighth season of Netflix’s “Drive to Survive” on its Apple TV+ streaming service, further cross-promoting both platforms and expanding the reach of F1 content. TelevisaUnivision and Apple are hoping to capitalize on the growing interest in the sport.
Sergio Pérez and the Cadillac Team
The partnership is expected to generate particular interest among fans of Sergio Pérez, the sole Mexican driver currently competing in Formula 1. Pérez will be racing for the new Cadillac team, adding another layer of excitement for Hispanic audiences. TelevisaUnivision’s existing broadcast rights for F1 in Mexico, secured through a deal announced last October and extending through the 2028 season, further strengthens its connection to Pérez and his fanbase. The combination of a Mexican driver on a prominent team and dedicated Spanish-language coverage is anticipated to significantly boost viewership and engagement.
The 2026 F1 Season and Beyond
The 2026 Formula 1 season is already underway, having commenced with the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne on Sunday, March 8th. The season will consist of 24 races, culminating in the final race in Abu Dhabi in early December. The specific race that will be simulcast on Univision as part of the TelevisaUnivision-Apple partnership has not yet been announced, but details are expected to be released in the coming weeks. Fans can stay updated on the schedule and coverage plans through TelevisaUnivision’s and Apple’s official channels.
This collaboration represents a strategic alignment between two major media companies, leveraging their respective strengths to reach a wider audience and capitalize on the growing popularity of Formula 1. For TelevisaUnivision, it’s an opportunity to further solidify its position as the leading Spanish-language sports broadcaster in the US. For Apple, it’s a step forward in its ambition to become a significant force in the world of sports broadcasting. The partnership promises to deliver an enhanced viewing experience for Spanish-speaking F1 fans across the United States.
The next key date for Formula 1 fans will be the announcement of the specific race to be simulcast on Univision. Stay tuned to TelevisaUnivision and Apple’s official announcements for further details. What are your thoughts on this new partnership? Share your opinions in the comments below, and be sure to share this article with fellow F1 enthusiasts!
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